THE vacant seat on Blackrod Town Council will be filled by co-option.

Members voted to at a recent meeting to appoint a new representative for the Central Ward after the deadline passed for residents to request a by-election.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe stepped down from her role at the beginning of February as personal commitments prevented her from attending meetings regularly.

She will continue to serve as a Labour ward councillor on Bolton Council representing Horwich and Blackrod.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of Blackrod Town Council should submit a written expression of interest setting out their reasons for wanting to take up the position.

The closing date for these submissions is Thursday, April 5 and should be addressed to Town Clerk, Blackrod Town Council, Council Offices, Library Building, Church Street, Blackrod, BL6 5EQ.

All shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and the successful candidate will be co-opted on to the council.